Why do they check boxers' gloves before a fight?

Question

Before boxing fights, why do they give the boxers a full body check before the fight?Martin, Hammersmith

Answer

** Definitive **Name: Keith, WalthamstowQualification: Run a boxing clubAnswer: They give the gloves a check, the brush the front of the shorts to check they are wearing a box and they check there isn't excessive vaseline applied to the face.